LEAP Announces Michigan’s First Product Startup Acceleration Program

Pilot group will begin intensive 8-month Acceleration program in February

LANSING, MI – The Lansing region leads the state of Michigan in product-based startup support with the addition of Lansing PROTO, announced today. Lansing PROTO provides an important and innovative resource to Lansing’s entrepreneurial ecosystem that is already in place. Lansing PROTO, which is a Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) initiative, is an acceleration program put in place by the regional economic development agency to support physical product-based companies specifically, as they move from concept to market.

Lansing PROTO will provide equity funding of $15,000 each to three product-based startup companies to participate in an intensive 8-month long program beginning in February 2016. Companies that apply for the program will be screened and vetted based on qualifiers such as feasibility, scalability, etc. The three selected companies will have access to many resources including product development and design consulting, rapid prototyping, business plan development, marketing and branding, legal support, accounting support, continued mentoring and guidance, and access to capital. Upon completion of the program, the participating companies will either be prepared to go to market, already in the market or positioned in the market to be licensed by an existing company.

“Lansing is a region of makers. We are known for our manufacturing prowess and this program will harness this innovation while providing a supportive environment for startups looking to bring their products to market,” said Tony Willis, Director of the New Economy Division at LEAP and Lansing PROTO administrator.

“Lansing PROTO is the state of Michigan’s first physical product startup acceleration program. Lansing will now join the ranks of Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor which each have their own excellent accelerator programs for startups,” said Bob Trezise, President and CEO of LEAP. “The current entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Lansing area is robust and strong. This program will offer services for a niche group of startups to partake in and continue the region’s ‘maker’ reputation proudly. Once again, it’s a new Lansing region.”

Companies or entrepreneurs interested in applying or learning more about Lansing PROTO, please visitwww.purelansing.com/lansingproto. The application deadline for Lansing PROTO is January 28, 2016.

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The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a coalition of area leaders committed to building a prosperous and vibrant region where business can thrive. To do this, we help entrepreneurs start new businesses, help existing businesses grow, and attract new businesses to the region. For more information about LEAP, please visitwww.purelansing.com.

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About Allison

Allison is a writer based out of Lansing, Michigan. She loves writing great content that helps Michigan businesses tell their stories, educate their customers, and promote their brands. Her work has been featured in Capital Gains, Mason Today, Williamston Today and more.
She is also helping to promote startup activity in the region at StartupLansing.
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